Aerosol shaving foam compositions

ABSTRACT

According to the invention improved aerosol shaving foams are obtained having scum-free and scum-dispersant properties coupled with good storage stability of the aerosol emulsion in the aerosol container, these foams being derived from, as the foamable base, an aqueous concentrate containing a particular combination of surfactant materials and a long chain fatty alcohol.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to pressurised shaving foam dispensers of theso-called aerosol type, and more particularly to the formulation of thefoamable compositions used therein.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

In pressurised shaving foam dispensers of the above-mentioned type, afoamable concentrate, generally an aqueous soap solution, is containedin a dispenser equipped with a dispensing head and valve, andpressurised with a normally gaseous propellant, e.g. a low molecularweight hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon mixture or a halohydrocarbon orhalohydrocarbon mixture. In the container the liquefied propellant formsan emulsion in the foamable concentrate, the emulsion being referred toas an aerosol emulsion. Upon discharge of the emulsion through thedispensing head the volatilization of the dispersed liquid droplets ofpropellant causes the dispensed concentrate to foam. Depending upon theprecise formulation of the concentrate, the dispensed product may rangefrom a dense creamy foam to a light lather.

For the avoidance of doubt, the term `emulsion` will be used throughoutthis specification and claims to refer to the whole liquid contents ofthe dispenser, i.e. the foamable concentrate plus liquid phasepropellant, and the term `concentrate` will be used to refer to theliquid contents of the dispenser, other than the propellant, `liquid` inthis context embracing solutions, emulsions and suspensions. In otherwords, the concentrate itself may be an emulsion or suspension and notnecessarily a solution of the foam producing ingredients in a suitableliquid medium, which in the case of the present invention will be water.

Various disclosures have been made of compositions suitable for use insuch dispensers, amongst which may be mentioned U.K. Pat. SpecificationNo. 838,913 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,655,480. In accordance with theproposals of U.K. Pat. Specification No. 838,913 aqueous soap solutionsare used in which the quantity of alkali metal, ammonium or alkylaminesoaps, or soaps of primary or secondary alkanolamines, is kept below 4%,based on the weight of the concentrate, and in which the amount oftriethanolamine soap is kept in minor proportion relative to the totalsoap content. In accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 2,655,480 aqueous soapsolutions are also used, the actual concentration varying with theparticular soap used. Thus, when triethanolamine stearate is used theconcentration may be from 2-30% by weight of the solution and whenpotassium stearate is used the recommended amount is from 5 to 20%. Agenerally recommended range for all soaps is 5 to 18%.

Yet other aqueous soap solutions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.2,908,650, these being aqueous solutions of alkali metal soaps and soapsof nitrogen bases in specified proportions.

In such prior compositions a variety of additives have been proposed orused to modify or control the properties of the foam or emulsion. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 2,655,480 discloses that water-soluble non-ionicor anionic wetting agents may be added in amounts up to 5 or 6%, basedon the weight of the concentrate, to facilitate rinsing of the latherfrom the face and avoiding oily deposits on the skin. Particular anionicand non-ionic wetting agents mentioned are sodium lauryl sulphate,sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate, and watersoluble polyoxyethyleneethers of alkyl-substituted phenols. In addition, glycerine may also beadded to stabilize the lather. U.K. Pat. Specification No. 838,913discloses the addition of small amounts (1-3%) of water-solubleemulsifiers, e.g. fatty acid esters of polyhydricpolyoxyethylenatedalcohols and fatty acid alkanolamides. U.K. Pat. No. 838,913 alsodiscloses the addition of water-insoluble fatty acids, fatty alcoholsand their ethylene oxide derivatives, to give the lather a creamycharacter and effect a slight fatting of the skin. In addition, U.K.Pat. No. 838,913 further teaches the addition of relatively high amounts(up to 15%) of water-insoluble free fatty acid to effect stabilizationof the lather.

Reference may also be made to the studies reported in J.Soc. CosmeticChemists, 17, (1966), pages 801-830 on the effects of the addition oflong chain fatty alcohols to aqueous aerosol emulsions based on anionicsurfactants, in particular, on certain triethanolamine soaps and onsodium lauryl sulphate. In general, the addition of long chain alcoholsto these emulsions showed an increase in viscosity and emulsionstability, judged on the time required for phase separation after handshaking. Increases were also noted in foam stability and foam stiffness.

Although soap-based aerosol shaving foams have attained a certain degreeof popularity, the formulations currently used have certaindisadvantages, the foremost of which is the tendency, when used, to forma scum either in the form of hardwater deposits, particularly, ofcourse, when used in hard water areas, or in the form of free fattyacid. This scum, in turn, forms unsightly deposits around the wash basinand, more particularly, on the razor and because of the difficulty ofremoving these deposits, which are often not removed by simple rinsing,the razor rapidly becomes encrusted.

Soapless aerosol foams based on synthetic surfactants and containing asynthetic surfactant in combination with a long chain fatty acid oralcohol have been described. For example, in Soap and ChemicalSpecialities, July 1967, pages 70-78 and 162, continued in Soap andChemical Specialities, Aug. 1967, pages 70-74, 104 and 106, and inJ.Soc. Cosmetic Chemists 20, (August 1969) 577-593, Sanders describes aseries of studies on aerosol emulsion systems based on certainpolyoxyethylene fatty ethers in combination with certain long chainfatty acids and alcohols. Again, increases in emulsion viscosity andstability and increases in foam stability and stiffness were noted.Whilst, since such systems are soap free, the problem of hard water scumdoes not arise, it has been found that such systems have a particulardisadvantage in that they lack storage stability, particularly atmoderately elevated temperatures, e.g. 30°-40°C, which in practice maywell occur when the products are stored or placed on display, forexample, in a shop window exposed to bright sunlight or are used in ahot climate. Under these conditions, compositions containing a syntheticsurfactant solution and a long chain fatty alcohol or acid, as describedin these articles, undergo an irreversible phase separation, that is tosay they cannot be redispersed merely by hand shaking by the user, withthe result that the emulsion no longer foams, or foams inadequately upondischarge from the container. Such products therefore lack the necessaryshelf-life. In addition, separated solid phase material may block thevalve and discharge apertures and thus further contribute to themalfunction of the container.

Other aerosol emulsions based on synthetic surfactants that have beentested suffer from other defects such as emulsion instability, noisydischarge from the container, inadequate foam formation and foamstability.

OBJECT OF INVENTION

A need therefore exists for an improved aerosol shaving foam preparationbased on synthetic surfactants and which is therefore not liable to scumformation when used in hard water conditions, but which is storagestable, particularly at mildly elevated temperatures and is satisfactoryin other respects, such as foam volume and density, foam stability, foamfeel, and quiet operation.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention we have discovered a novelcombination of surfactants which gives rise to improved aerosol shavingfoam systems, in particular, to aerosol emulsions of good shelf life atmoderately elevated temperatures, and which are scum free,notwithstanding the presence, in the preferred compositions of aproportion of soap. Moreover, not only are the compositions non-scumforming, even in hard water conditions, but they are also scumdispersing. That is to say, they have the capacity to disperse scumformed, for example, by washing the face with soap prior to shaving. Theuse of the aerosol shaving foams according to the invention thereforegreatly facilitates the subsequent cleaning of the wash basin afterwashing and shaving.

According to the present invention there is provided a shaving foampackage comprising a pressurised dispenser equipped with a dispensinghead and valve and containing therein an aerosol emulsion comprising anaqueous concentrate containing (i) from 1.5-15% by weight, based on theweight of the concentrate, of one or more water-soluble or substantiallywater-soluble synthetic anionic-compatible surfactants; (ii) from 0.5 to6.0% by weight, based on the weight of the concentrate, of one or morewater-insoluble long chain fatty alcohols, and (iii) from 2-12% byweight, based on the weight of the concentrate, of an anionic surfactantselected from alkali metal or alkanolamine soaps, i.e. salts of fattyacids containing from 10-22 carbon atoms, long chain alkyl and alkarylsulphates and ether sulphates, long chain alkyl and alkaryl sulphonates,long chain N-acyl sarcosinates, and mixtures of two or more thereof, theanionic surfactant constituting component (iii) being of a differenttype from that constituting component (i) when the latter is itselfanionic; and emulsified therewith a normally gaseous propellant inliquid phase; the weight ratio of total surfactant, i.e. components (i)and (iii) together, to long chain fatty alcohol being from 1:1 to 20:1and the weight ratio of total synthetic surfactant plus long chain fattyalcohol, to soap, when said anionic surfactant is or contains soap,being in the range 0.5:1 to 4:1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The first component of the aqueous concentrates used in the presentinvention is a water soluble or substantially water soluble synthetic,anionic-compatible surfactant. By substantially water soluble, we mean asurfactant which is self-dispersible in water, and by anionic-compatiblewe mean capable of existing in admixture in aqueous solution withanionic surfactants of the type specified under (iii) withoutprecipitation or loss of surface active properties. Thus, component (i)may be nonionic, anionic, amphoteric or weakly cationic in character,although nonionic surfactants are preferred. The nonionic surfactantswhich are useful in the present invention are alkylene oxide (i.e.ethylene or propylene oxide) adducts of long chain fatty alcohols, acidsor amides, of polyol esters of long chain fatty acids, and of long chainalkyl phenols, polyoxyethylene adducts of polyoxypropylene glycols, thelatter adducts being commercially available under the trade mark`Pluronic`, long chain fatty acid alkanolamides, and polyol (e.g.sucrose) esters of long chain fatty acids. Suitable anionic surfactantsare long chain alkyl and alkaryl esters of phosphorus acids, long chainalkyl and alkaryl sulphosuccinates, N-acyl-N-alkyl taurates and betasulphoethers of long chain fatty acids. Component (i) may also be a longchain alkyl or alkaryl sulphate or ether sulphate, a long chain alkyl oralkaryl sulphonate or a long chain N-acyl sarcosinate, provided thatcomponent (iii) is then either a soap or a different synthetic anionicsurfactant from this selected group. By `different` in this context wemean of `different type` e.g. an ether sulphate or a sulphonate asopposed to a sulphate or vice versa, or a sarcosinate as opposed to asulphate or sulphonate or vice versa, and not anionic surfactantsdiffering only with respect to the cation, e.g. a sodium as opposed to apotassium alkyl sulphate, or only with respect to the size of the alkylor alkaryl group, e.g. an octyl ether sulphate as opposed to a nonylether sulphate. Suitable amphoteric surfactants are long chain alkylamino acids, betaines, sulphobetaines and imidazolines. Other suitablesurfactants are ethylene oxide and propylene oxide adducts of long chainfatty amines and long chain alkyl and alkaryl amine oxides.

Within the above definitions and throughout this specification andclaims the expression `long chain` when used in expressions such as`long chain fatty acid`, `long chain fatty alcohol`, `long chain alkyl`is intended to cover groups containing from 12-18 carbon atoms, whilstthe expression `long chain alkaryl` is intended to coveralkyl-substituted aryl groups comprising a benzene or naphthalenenucleus substituted by a C₅ -C₁₂ alkyl substituent.

As already indicated, the preferred synthetic surfactants are thenonionics, particularly the polyoxyethylene adducts of long chain fattyalcohols, acids and amides containing from 8-60 ethylene oxide units.Especially preferred are polyoxyethylene adducts of C₁₂ -C₁₈ alcoholscontaining from 10-30 ethylene oxide units.

Other synthetic surfactants of interest are nonyl phenoxypolyoxyethylene(50) ethanol, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate, the sodiumsalt of the 2-sulphoethyl ester of coconut oil acid, and polyoxyethyleneadducts of stearylamine.

The second component of the aqueous concentrate used in this inventionis a long chain fatty alcohol, i.e. containing 12-18 carbon atoms.Particularly preferred is tetradecyl alcohol (myristyl alcohol).

The third component of the aqueous concentrate is the anionicsurfactant. Of these the soaps, i.e. the alkali metal and alkanolaminesalts, particularly the sodium and potassium and the diethanolamine andtriethanolamine salts, of long chain fatty acids, e.g. lauric acid,myristic, palmitic and stearic acid, are preferred, and it is aparticularly surprising discovery of this invention that these soaps areeffective, when present in small amount, to stabilize the syntheticsurfactant/propellant emulsion and to enable ready redispersion of theemulsion by hand shaking of the package even after standing for longperiods of time and at moderately elevated temperature. The otheranionic surfactants which serve the same purpose are long chain alkyland alkaryl sulphates and ether sulphates, long chain alkyl and alkarylsulphonates and long chain N-acyl sarcosinates. Mixtures of two or moremay be used as well as mixtures thereof with soap. Also, as alreadyindicated, such anionic surfactants may be present as component (i) inthose cases where component (iii) is a soap, or where component (iii) isa different one of this selected group.

When using an anionic material other than soap, preferred materials arelauryl sulphates, lauryl ether sulphates, octyl phenyl sulphonates,nonyl phenyl sulphonates, and sodium lauroyl sarcosinate.

In the aqueous concentrates used in the present invention the amount ofsynthetic surfactant (component (i)) will be in the range 1.5-15% byweight based on the weight of the concentrate, with 4-10% by weightpreferred, and the amount of long chain alcohol will be from 0.5 to 6.0%by weight, preferably 1-3% and in order to provide a satisfactorybalance of properties the weight ratio of total surfactant (i.e.components (i) and (iii) together) to long chain fatty alcohol will befrom 1:1 to 20:1, preferably 3:1 to 10:1.

The anionic surfactant (component (iii)) will generally be present in anamount of from 2-12% by weight based on the weight of the concentrate,with the preferred amounts depending on whether a soap or syntheticanionic surfactant is used. In the former case the amount of soap ispreferably from 2-7% by weight, and more preferably 3-6% by weight.These figures may be contrasted with the amount of soap normally presentin commercially available aerosol shaving foam preparations based onaqueous soap solutions which normally contain from 10-15% by weight ofsoap based on the weight of the concentrate. Where a synthetic anionicsurfactant as component (iii) is used in the compositions of thisinvention, the amount is preferably in the range 3-6% by weight but canbe as high as 12%.

Where a synthetic anionic surfactant is used as component (iii) theamount relative to the synthetic surfactant of component (i) is notcritical, but where soap is used, a balance must be maintained betweenthe synthetic surfactant and soap in order to obtain emulsion stabilityon the one hand and scum free and scum dispersant properties on theother. Generally speaking, therefore, the weight ratio of totalsynthetic surfactant plus fatty alcohol to soap in the compositions ofthis invention should be in the range 0.5:1 to 4:1.

Generally speaking the total solids concentration of the aqueousconcentrates used in the present invention will be from 5-30% by weight,preferably 8-20% by weight, based on the weight of the concentrate, butthese amounts are not critical.

The propellants used in the compositions used in the present inventionare conventional materials e.g. hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon mixtures,e.g. the mixture of butane, isobutane and propane known commercially asButane 40, and halohydrocarbons such as dichlorodifluoromethane (12) onits own or mixtures thereof with dichlorotetrafluoroethane (114).Mixtures of hydrocarbon and halohydrocarbon propellants may also beused. The quantity of propellant used will generally be in the range3-12% by weight of the total emulsion, depending on the propellant used,although the exact amount is by no means critical to this invention.Generally speaking, hydrocarbon propellants such as butane mixtures willbe used in amounts at the lower end of the stated range, e.g. 3-7%,whilst halohydrocarbon propellants will be used in amounts at the upperend of the range, e.g. 7-12%. Generally preferred as propellants will bethe halohydrocarbons, particularly fluorocarbons, and mixtures thereofwith hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon propellants on their own are lesspreferred.

Other ingredients such as antioxidants, perfuming agents, stabilizers,viscosity modifiers, humectants, emollients and lubricants, may beincluded in the compositions of this invention as is conventional in theart.

Examples of aerosol shaving foam preparations according to the inventionare as follows. Each composition was packaged in a conventionalpressurised dispenser equipped with conventional discharge valve andfoam dispensing head.

    ______________________________________                                        Example 1                                                                                                 % W/W                                             Polyoxyethylene(4)lauryl ether                                                                            1.66                                              Myristyl alcohol            2.02                                              Triethanolamine myristate   1.83                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.75                                              Water                       83.34                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 2                                                                     Polyoxyethylene(23)lauryl ether                                                                           5.50                                              Myristyl alcohol            2.02                                              Potassium myristate         5.50                                              Isopropanol                 3.66                                              Water                       74.92                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 3                                                                     Polyoxyethylene(10) cetyl ether                                                                           2.75                                              Myristyl alcohol            1.83                                              Triethanolamine laurate     2.15                                              Triethanolamine stearate    4.40                                              Isopropanol                 1.83                                              Glycerol                    5.00                                              Water                       73.64                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 4                                                                     Polyoxyethylene(20)stearyl ether                                                                          5.42                                              Myristyl alcohol            2.07                                              Potassium laurate           0.94                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.83                                              Water                       82.93                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  4.24                                                     butane 40            1.57                                              Example 5                                                                     Hydrogenated tallow amide ethoxylated with                                    50 moles ethylene oxide (Ethomide HT60)                                                                   11.77                                             Myristyl alcohol            2.07                                              Triethanolamine laurate     0.94                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.83                                              Isopropanol                 2.83                                              Water                       73.75                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  4.24                                                     butane 40            1.57                                              Example 6                                                                     Poly(ethyleneglycol)1000 monostearate                                         (Cithrol 10MS)              6.12                                              Myristyl alcohol            2.07                                              Triethanolamine laurate     0.94                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.83                                              Isopropanol                 2.83                                              Water                       79.40                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  4.24                                                     butane 40            1.57                                              Example 7                                                                      Nonylphenoxypolyoxyethylene (50) ethanol                                     (Antarox CO 970)            11.30                                             Myristyl alcohol            2.07                                              Triethanolamine laurate     0.94                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.83                                              Isopropanol                 2.83                                              Water                       74.22                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  4.24                                                     butane 40            1.57                                              Example 8                                                                     Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate                                    (Tween 60)                  5.92                                              Myristyl alcohol            2.13                                              Triethanolamine myristate   1.93                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.90                                              Water                       83.82                                             Propellant: butane 40       3.30                                              Example 9                                                                     Tallow monoethanolamide ethoxylate                                            (Empilan LN8)               4.58                                              Myristyl alcohol            1.83                                              Triethanolamine myristate   2.75                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.75                                              Glycerol                    5.00                                              Water                       74.69                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 10                                                                     ABA Block copolymer of propylene oxide                                       and ethylene oxide. MWt = 7700.                                               (Pluronic F87)              2.75                                              Myristyl alcohol            1.83                                              Triethanolamine myristate   1.83                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.75                                              Water                       82.44                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 11                                                                    Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate  4.58                                              Myristyl alcohol            3.21                                              Triethanolamine myristate   1.83                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.75                                              Isopropanol                 2.75                                              Water                       76.48                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 12                                                                    Coconut acid ester of sodium isethionate                                      (83% active). (Fenopon AC78)                                                                              4.58                                              Myristyl alcohol            0.92                                              Triethanolamine myristate   1.81                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   1.81                                              Water                       82.48                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 13                                                                     Fenopon AC78               4.58                                              Myristyl Alcohol            2.75                                              Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate  4.58                                              Water                       79.69                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 14                                                                    Ammonium salt of sulphated nonylphenoxy-                                      poly (ethyleneoxy) ethanol (60% active).                                      (Fenopon CO436)             7.34                                              Myristyl alcohol            5.37                                              Triethanolamine myristate   1.83                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.75                                              Water                       74.31                                             Propellant: 12/114 (60:40)  8.40                                              Example 15                                                                    Sulphonated Amide. (Pyrotex 271 DF)                                                                       2.75                                              Myristyl alcohol            1.83                                              Triethanolamine myristate   0.92                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   0.92                                              Water                       85.18                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 16                                                                     Sodium sulphosuccinate of lauryl                                             alcohol polyglycol ether (40% active).                                        (Condanol SB FA/1)          5.73                                              Myristyl alcohol            2.02                                              Triethanolamine myristate   0.61                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   3.66                                              Water                       79.58                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 17                                                                    Coconut imidazoline derivative (50%                                           active) (Crodateric C)      3.30                                              Myristyl alcohol            1.92                                              Triethanolamine myristate   3.66                                              Water                       82.72                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 18                                                                    Coconut amino sulphonate (50% active).                                        (Varion 1017)               2.75                                              Myristyl alcohol            1.83                                              Triethanolamine myristate   1.83                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.75                                              Water                       82.44                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 19                                                                    Fatty amine derivative with betaine                                           structure. (30% active). (Dehyton AB 30)                                                                  9.15                                              Myristyl alcohol            1.83                                              Triethanolamine myristate   1.83                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.75                                              Water                       76.04                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  8.40                                              Example 20                                                                     Stearylamine ethoxylated with 50 moles of                                    ethylene oxide. (Ethomeen 18/60)                                                                          3.78                                              Sodium lauryl ether sulphate                                                                              4.73                                              Myristyl alcohol            4.35                                              Triethanolamine laurate     0.95                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.36                                              Isopropanol                 3.78                                              Sorbitol                    1.35                                              Fragrance                   0.30                                              Water                       72.59                                             Propellant: 12/114 (40:60)  4.24                                                     butane 40            1.57                                              Example 21                                                                    Sodium lauryl ether sulphate                                                                              6.50                                              Lauric diethanolamide       0.70                                              Myristyl alcohol            2.77                                              Cetyl alcohol               0.10                                              Triethanolamine laurate     0.75                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.63                                              Glycerol                    4.20                                              Fragrance                   0.30                                              Water                       72.15                                             Propellant: 12/114 (60:40)  8.30                                              Example 22                                                                    Lauric diethanolamide       4.80                                              Polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether                                                                          4.80                                              Myristyl Alcohol            1.92                                              Triethanolamine myristate   0.94                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   2.83                                              Propylene glycol            0.75                                              Glycerol                    3.25                                              Fragrance                   0.30                                              Water                       72.11                                             Propellant: 12/114 (60:40)  8.30                                              ______________________________________                                    

To illustrate the storage stability of compositions according to thisinvention a series of aerosol shaving foam formulations were packaged ina transparent glass aerosol container and stored at elevated temperaturefor varying periods of time. At the end of that time the emulsion wasinspected visually and tested for ease of redispersion and subsequentfoaming. The results are described below in the following Experiments.

Experiment 1

As a control an aqueous concentrate was formulated containing

    Polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether                                                                    5% by weight                                            Myristyl alcohol      2% by weight                                            Glycerol              5% by weight                                            Water                 q.s.100% by weight                                  

The concentrate was packaged in a glass container and pressurised with a60:40 weight ratio mixture of propellants 12 and 114. The total aerosolemulsion formed contained 91.6% by weight of concentrate and 8.4% byweight of propellant.

Upon shaking and subsequent operation of the valve, a rather wetunstable foam is discharged rather noisily.

After initial testing for foam formation, the package was stored for onemonth at temperatures in the range 40°-45°C. At the end of this time,the package was cooled to room temperature and re-examined. A solidwhite phase was apparent in the bottom of the container and this provedimpossible to redisperse even on vigorous shaking by hand for 30seconds.

Experiment 2

Experiment 1 was repeated but with the addition to the concentrate of 5%by weight of triethanolamine laurate.

On actuation of the valve a soft creamy foam is discharged with a smoothquiet flow.

Upon storage for 5 months at 40°-45°C a white heavy phase settled out,but this was readily redispersed when the container, cooled to roomtemperature, was shaken gently by hand five times. After storage thecontents of the package still discharge smoothly as a soft creamy foam.

Experiment 3

Experiment 2 is repeated but using 5% sodium lauryl sulphate instead oftriethanolamine laurate.

Immediately after packaging, the foam obtained on discharge is a thickcreamy and stable foam.

No phase separation occurred after storage at 40- 45°C for 5 months andno adverse effect on the foam forming properties was noted.

Experiment 4

Experiment 2 is repeated but using 5% of a sodium alkaryl sulphonate(DuPont:Alkanol DW) instead of triethanolamine laurate.

Immediately after packaging a soft slightly open foam is obtainable withsmooth quiet expulsion.

Storage at 40°-45°C for 4 months caused phase separation, but on coolingto room temperature, the contents were readily redispersed by inversionof the container. After storage, the contents were discharged smoothlyas a soft foam.

Experiment 5

Experiment 2 was repeated but using 5% sodium laurayl sarcosinate inplace of triethanolamine laurate.

Initial foam assessment showed a good smooth expulsion and a soft creamyfoam. Similar results were obtained after storage at 40°-45° C for fivemonths followed by cooling to room temperature and gentle shaking toeffect redispersions of separated materials.

Experiment 6

Essentially similar results are obtained as in Experiment 5, but with asomewhat thicker foam, using 5% triethanolamine lauryl ether sulphate inplace of the sodium lauroyl sarcosinate.

The advantageously low scum formation properties and high scumdispersion properties of the compositions of this invention areillustrated by the following experiments.

Experiment 7

A series of `standard` hard water solutions pH 7, were prepared havingcalcium ion concentrations equivalent to 45 ppm, 100 ppm and 180 ppmcalcium carbonate.

An aerosol foam dispensed from a conventional soap based aerosol shavingfoam dispenser containing approximately 15% by weight of soap, based onthe weight of the aqueous concentrate, was stirred into each standardhard water solution at 45°C in an amount of approximately 1 gram perliter and each solution visually inspected for scum formation. At 45 ppmequivalent of calcium carbonate a light scum was visible, at 100 ppm amedium scum and at 180 ppm a heavy scum.

By way of comparison, the shaving foam obtained from the composition ofExample 5 gave no deposit when stirred into a `standard` hard watersolution containing 4500 ppm equivalent of calcium carbonate under thesame conditions, namely 45°C, pH 7 and in an amount of approximately 1gram per liter.

The conventional soap-based foam when dispersed into distilled watershowed a thin deposit believed to be free fatty acid. No such depositwas visible when the foam of Example 5 is dispersed in distilled water.

Experiment 8

A hard water scum was formed by adding 1 gram per liter of potassiumpalmitate to water at 45°C and pH 7, containing 400 ppm equivalent ofcalcium carbonate. Aqueous concentrates of the types used in thisinvention were added incrementally and the amount of concentraterequired to disperse the scum was measured.

The scum was considered to be dispersed when the discrete particles ofscum were no longer visible thereby leaving a pearlescent solution.

    ______________________________________                                        Concentrate 1               Wt.%                                              Tween 60                    6.12                                              Myristyl Alcohol            2.20                                              Triethanolamine myristate   2.00                                              Triethanolamine palmitate   3.00                                              Water                       86.68                                             Concentrate 2               Wt.%                                              Polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether                                                                          5.00                                              Myristyl Alcohol            2.00                                              Sodium lauryl sulphate      4.00                                              Glycerol                    5.00                                              Water                       84.00                                             ______________________________________                                    

The minimum quantity of Concentrate 1 required to disperse the scum was1.6 gram per liter of the hard water solution, equivalent toapproximately 25c.c. of foam, and of Concentrate 2, 0.6 grams per liter,equivalent to approximately 9c.c. of foam. Essentially similar scumdispersion results are obtained when using a foam derived from theseconcentrates in place of the concentrate itself.

The conventional soap-based aerosol shaving foam when used in this testshowed no scum dispersing activity but rather increased the amount ofscum present.

We claim:
 1. A shaving foam package comprising a pressurized dispenserequipped with a dispensing head and valve and containing therein afoam-forming composition consisting essentially of (A) an aqueousconcentrate containing (i) from 1.5-15% by weight, based on the weightof the concentrate, of one or more water soluble or substantially watersoluble synthetic anionic-compatible surfactants; (ii) from 0.5 to 6.0%by weight, based on the weight of the concentrate, of one or more waterinsoluble long chain fatty alcohols; and (iii) from 2-12% by weight,based on the weight of the concentrate, of an anionic surfactantselected from alkali metal or alkanolamine soaps, i.e. salts of fattyacids containing from 10-22 carbon atoms, long chain alkyl and alkarylsulphates and ether sulphates, long chain alkyl and alkaryl sulphonates,long chain N-acyl sarcosinates, and mixtures of two or more thereof theanionic surfactant constituting (iii) being of a different type fromthat constituting component (i) when the latter is itself anionic, thebalance of the concentrate being water; and emulsified therewith (B) anormally gaseous propellant in liquid phase; the weight ratio of totalsurfactant, i.e. components (i) and (iii) together, to long chain fattyalcohol being from 1:1 to 20:1 and the weight ratio of total syntheticsurfactant plus long chain fatty alcohol, to soap, when said anionicsurfactant is or contains soap, being in the range 0.5:1 to 4:1.
 2. Apackage according to claim 1, wherein component (i) is a nonionicsurfactant selected from ethylene oxide or propylene oxide adducts oflong chain fatty alcohols, acids, and amides, ethylene oxide orpropylene oxide adducts of polyol esters of long chain fatty acids,ethylene oxide or propylene oxide adducts of long chain alkyl phenols,polyoxyethylene adducts of polyoxypropylene glycol, long chain fattyacid alkanolamides and polyol esters of long chain fatty acids.
 3. Ashaving foam package comprising a pressurised dispenser equipped with adispensing head and valve and containing therein a foam-forming emulsionconsisting essentially of (A) an aqueous concentrate containing (i) from1.5-15% by weight, based on the weight of the concentrate, of at leastone water soluble or substantially water soluble synthetic nonionicsurfactant; (ii) from 0.5-6.0% by weight, based on the weight of theconcentrate, of myristyl alcohol; and (iii) from 2-7% by weight of asurfactant selected from alkali metal soaps and alkanolamine soaps andmixtures thereof, the balance of the concentrate being water; andemulsified therewith (B) a normally gaseous aerosol propellant in liquidphase; the weight ratio of components (i) and (iii) together tocomponent (ii) being from 1:1 to 20:1; and the weight ratio of component(i) plus component (ii) to component (iii) being in the range of 0.5:1to 4:1.
 4. A package according to claim 3, wherein component (i) is anonionic surfactant selected from ethylene oxide or propylene oxideadducts of long chain fatty alcohols, acids, and amides, ethylene oxideor propylene oxide adducts of polyol esters of long chain fatty acids,ethylene oxide or propylene oxide adducts of long chain alkyl phenols,polyoxyethylene adducts of polyoxypropylene glycol, long chain fattyacid alkanolamides and polyol esters of long chain fatty acids.
 5. Ashaving foam package comprising a pressurised dispenser equipped with adispensing head and valve and containing therein a foam-forming emulsionconsisting essentially of (A) an aqueous concentrate containing (i) from1.5-15% by weight, based on the weight of the concentrate, of at leastone water soluble or substantially water soluble synthetic nonionicsurfactant; (ii) from 0.5-6.0% by weight, based on the weight of theconcentrate, of myristyl alcohol; and (iii) from 3-6% by weight, basedon the weight of the concentrate, of an anionic surfactant selected fromlong chain alkyl and alkaryl sulphates and ether sulphates, long chainalkyl and alkaryl sulphonates and long chain N-acyl sarcosinates, thebalance of the concentrate being water; and emulsified therewith (B) anormally gaseous aerosol propellant in liquid phase; the weight ratio ofcomponents (i) and (iii) together to component (ii) being from 1:1 to20:1.
 6. A package according to claim 5, wherein component (i) is anonionic surfactant selected from ethylene oxide or propylene oxideadducts of long chain fatty alcohols, acids, and amides, ethylene oxideor propylene oxide adducts of polyol esters of long chain fatty acids,ethylene oxide or propylene oxide adducts of long chain alkyl phenols,polyoxyethylene adducts of polyoxypropylene glycol, long chain fattyacid alkanolamides and polyol esters of long chain fatty acids.
 7. Ashaving foam package comprising a pressurised dispenser equipped with adispensing head and valve and containing therein a foam-forming emulsionconsisting essentially of (A) an aqueous concentrate containing (i) from1.5-15% by weight, based on the weight of the concentrate, of a watersoluble or substantially water soluble synthetic anionic surfactantselected from long chain alkyl and alkaryl sulphates and ethersulphates, long chain alkyl and alkaryl sulphonates, long chain N-acylsarcosinates, and mixtures of two or more thereof; (ii) from 0.5-6.0% byweight, based on the weight of the concentrate, of myristyl alcohol; and(iii) from 2-7% by weight based on the weight of the concentrate of asurfactant selected from alkali metal soaps and alkanolamine soaps andmixtures thereof, the balance of the concentrate being water; andemulsified therewith (B) a normally gaseous aerosol propellant in liquidphase; the weight ratio of components (i) and (iii) together tocomponent (ii) being from 1:1 to 20:1, and the weight ratio of component(i) plus component (ii) to component (iii) being from 0.5:1 to 4:1.